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The girls ground out a crucial crossover win against a powerhouse program at home Saturday. The Vikings edged out Lowry 44-41 after a back-and-forth battle that went into the final minutes.

"We were able to finally put it together for 32 minutes and hold onto the win," coach Mike Neiger said. "This was a big win for the program."

South Tahoe took an early 12-6 lead, but had dipped behind by halftime.

"It was just a really evenly matched game," Mike Neiger said. "We were down four at half, and the in the second half we started a three-quarter court press and got some turnovers."

Alsa Caro was the key player behind those turnovers, playing the point in the Vikings' press.

"She was all over the place making it hard for Lowry to even bring it up the floor," Mike Neiger said. "Again, like last week we got a lot of hands in the passing lane."

The Vikings managed to tie the game 29-29 going into the fourth, and Bailey David hit a huge three to give the Vikings the advantage.

Brooke king led the Vikings with 13 points. David dropped in 12.

Hannah Neiger and Riley Chapman put in some impressive work at the glass. Hannah Neiger had 10 rebounds, and Chapman seven.

"We're just improving plain and simple," Mike Neiger said. "We're moving in the right direction."

The girls are 3-3 in crossover play. Their next home game will be against Incline on Friday at 6 p.m.

South Tahoe 44, Lowry 41

ST 12 4 13 15 - 44

L 6 14 9 12 - 41

Defending champs outmatch boys

Facing a program with five returning starters from a state championship team is a tall order, but the Vikings fought until the end.

Lowry pulled out to a 40-22 lead at halftime, but the Vikings played into the second half like the win was within reach. The final score was a stingy 80-48, but South Tahoe pushed until the final buzzer.

"Every single one of these boys has character," coach Chris Proctor said. "Character is what you do when people aren't watching. Well, character is also what you do when everyone expects you to flip out and give up. There's not a quitter out there on our team."

Brandon Cramer drove his team on despite the deficit.

"He stepped up and did his best to lead his team out there when things were stacked against us," Proctor said.

There's not much to say about a loss to a team like Lowry. The Buckaroos have the likes of Josh Watterson and Jesse Studebaker, who are both capable of 20 points and 10 rebounds, even on an off night. They're defending state champs for a reason.

"What can you do? They have five returning starters from a state championship team that's what they're supposed to do," Proctor said. "That's a team you watch on tape and learn from."

South Tahoe hung in for the first few minutes, but Lowry effectively started pulling the Vikings out of their game.

Then South Tahoe lost its big guy, Cale Backinger, who fouled out in the first half and didn't return.

"He got a technical early, and we just thought he was pretty frustrated and wanted to wait until he calmed down. He's just a passionate guy," Proctor said.

The Vikings are 4-2 in crossover play. They will host Incline Friday at 7:30 p.m.